Smoking is one of the leading causes of cancer worldwide. Tobacco smoke contains thousands of harmful chemicals, including dozens of proven carcinogens that damage the DNA of the body’s cells. As this genetic damage accumulates over time, normal cells may eventually transform into cancerous cells.

Although all smokers are exposed to the same carcinogenic substances, the likelihood of developing cancer varies from one individual to another due to several factors. These include genetic differences, the efficiency of the immune system, the body’s ability to repair DNA damage, as well as smoking intensity, duration of smoking, lifestyle, and other environmental influences.

The fact that some smokers never develop cancer does not mean that smoking is safe. It is similar to saying that because a person drives recklessly without having an accident, reckless driving must be safe. Smoking significantly increases the risk of developing lung, laryngeal, oral, and bladder cancers, in addition to many other chronic diseases. It remains the single most important preventable risk factor for these conditions.

The Most Important Message

The real question is not:

“Why did one person develop cancer while another did not?”

The real question is:

“Why expose yourself to a preventable risk?”

Every cigarette leaves its mark. Quitting smoking today is the best decision you can make for your health and the health of those you care about.

College of Science – University of Mosul

Together Towards a Healthier, More Aware, and Smoke-Free Society

Media and Government Communication Division

Tuesday, 16 June 2026